DRDO & IIT Delhi Unveil ABHED: Next-Gen Bulletproof Jackets

DRDO and IIT Delhi have developed ABHED lightweight bulletproof jackets, which are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material.

Development and Collaboration

DRDO and IIT Delhi jointly developed ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat) lightweight bulletproof jackets.
Created at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi.
DIA-CoE was formed in 2022 by modifying the Joint Advanced Technology Center of DRDO at IIT Delhi.
The project exemplifies successful collaboration between defence R&D, academia, and industry.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, praised the achievement.

Technical Specifications and Materials

ABHED jackets are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material.
Design based on high strain rate material characterization, modeling, and simulation.
Armor plates have passed all necessary R&D trials as per protocols.
Two variants: BIS Level 5 (8 kg) and BIS Level 6 (9.3 kg).
Both variants are lighter than maximum weight limits specified in Indian Army requirements.
Modular design with front and rear armors providing 360-degree protection.
Total protection area of approximately 3,400 square centimeters.

Protection Capabilities

BIS Level 5 (8 kg) jacket features:

- Front Hard Armor Panel (HAP) defeats 8 hardened steel core bullets from AK-47.
- Back, sides, groin, and neck protect against SLR and AK-47 mild steel core bullets.
- Protection against Hard Steel Core (HSC), Mild Steel Core (MSC), and SLR bullets.

BIS Level 6 (9.3 kg) jacket features:

- Front HAP defeats 6 sniper bullets.
- Back, sides, groin, and neck protect against SLR and AK-47 mild steel core bullets.
- Additional protection against 7.62x54R Dragunov API ammunition.
Both variants ensure less than 25mm Back Face Signature (BFS).

Technology Transfer and Future Implications

DRDO has shortlisted Indian industries for Transfer of Technology (ToT).
Three industries selected for technology transfer and handholding.
Aligns with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, promoting indigenous production of critical defence equipment.
Expected to enhance mobility and combat efficiency of soldiers without compromising safety.
Reflects India's commitment to equipping soldiers with cutting-edge protective gear.
Advances domestic manufacturing capabilities in advanced body armor solutions.

The 52nd Chief Justice of India

The official appointment of Justice BR Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, is a momentous occasion for a variety of reasons. From legal buffs to UPSC aspirants to the gener

A ₹3,706 Cr Vision for UP’s Growth

2025 appears to be a pivotal year for the electronics and manufacturing sector in India, with Uttar Pradesh being particularly affected. As their 2025 development plans gain momentum, the Indian g

The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs in India

India’s startup boom is reshaping industries, and thankfully, it’s opening doors for female entrepreneurs in India to become job creators, leaders, and change-makers. However, despite

India’s Economy Needs a Reboot

Sabeer Bhatia on India’s Economy Commonly understood as the foundation of economic growth measures, an Indian IT visionary is challenging the fundamental basis of this perspective. When Sab

India’s University Vacancies in 2025 Explained

India's university system is undergoing significant changes with the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. Many respected companies still lack a permanent chief executive offic

Mahabodhi Temple Controversy Heats Up in 2025

Mahabodhi Temple Controversy: What You Need to Know Every day brings with it new debates and developments. But some controversies go deeper—touching not just legal or political aspects, b

Indian Railways and the RTC Power Mode

Indian Railways' Green Shift with RTC Power Model The Indian Railways is not just a lifeline for millions—it’s now becoming a beacon of sustainability. With a sharp focus on

India's Defence Exports in 2024-2025

Record Growth in Defence Exports In the financial year 2024-25, India's defence exports in 2024-2025 reached a historic milestone of ₹23,622 crore (approximately US$2.76 billion), marking a

New Waqf Bill 2025

Waqf Bill 2025 Introduced in Parliament The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced in New Delhi by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in April 2025, was intensely debated in the

NHAI Hikes Toll Charges by 4-5%

NHAI Hikes Toll Charges by 4-5% Across National Highways April 1, 2025: Commuters on national highways will now have to pay higher toll fees as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) hik